Akram to miss Test series against Australia

COLOMBO - Uncertainty continues to surround Pakistan's preparation for the upcoming cricket Test series against Australia, which starts here next month.

Veteran leftarm pace bowler Wasim Akram confirmed to AAP today that he would "definitely" miss the Test series, which will be played in Colombo and Sharjah, while opening batsman Saeed Anwar said he was still making up his mind about his availability.

And Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Lieutenant General Tauqir Zia said on Monday that former skipper and wicketkeeper Moin Khan had been recalled to a squad of 22 "probables" for the Test series, primarily because current keeper Rashid Latif wanted a break from international cricket.

But Pakistan skipper Waqar Younis said today Latif was tired but happy to carry on. He said there would be more certainty when the Test team was named at the weekend.

"We're doing well with Rashid Latif.

"I don't think he needs a rest - he says he's fine.

"He's probably a little tired but that's the life of a professional cricketer."

Waqar said Akram's decision not to play was not unexpected as he had missed the past five Pakistan Test matches and his last match was back in January.

"In the last year or so he's more or less not playing Test matches," Waqar said of his long-time new ball partner.

"He's played enough and he just wants to have a rest to concentrate on the one-dayers.

"Of course it's a disappointment not to have someone like him in the squad but that's just the way it is."

He said Anwar's position was less clear.

"I've been hearing that he's going to finish but he hasn't said anything directly to me.

"He's working hard, he's training and he's started to look better with the bat."